Sophie Cunningham Announces Off-Court News Amid WNBA Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 12:51 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham entered the 2025 season with the Indiana Fever following a mid-career shift from the Phoenix Mercury, where she spent six seasons. The move quickly paid off, as Cunningham became a key veteran presence and defensive tone-setter for Indiana, carving out a consistent role alongside the team’s young core.

She averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 30 games before her season was cut short by a torn MCL in August, an injury that ruled her out for the remainder of the campaign.

Following the season, Cunningham became an unrestricted free agent. She has openly expressed her desire to remain in Indiana and has consistently highlighted her bond with her teammates and locker room. The Fever, meanwhile, are widely expected to bring her back as part of their core rotation heading into the 2026 season, given her fit alongside Caitlin Clark and the team’s upward trajectory.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8).© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

While Cunningham continues to weigh her options in free agency, she made headlines off the court on Wednesday. She announced via Instagram that she featured in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, marking a major milestone in her growing personal brand.

The feature, confirmed through a cover photo, places her alongside other female athletes, including Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, who have been highlighted for the upcoming issue.

View this post on Instagram

Cunningham has steadily built her profile through social media, fashion-related content and media appearances, becoming one of the more recognizable personalities in the WNBA. Her willingness to embrace opportunities outside the game, including modeling and broadcasting, has helped elevate her visibility and marketability.

As she prepares for her eighth WNBA season, there are expectations that she will remain in Indiana. Cunningham is positioned to continue playing a key role for a Fever team in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: